Proair HFA Dosage: An Introduction
- Whether you use Proair HFA to treat or prevent asthma attacks
- The severity of your asthma or other respiratory problems
- Other medications you may be taking.
As always, do not adjust your Proair HFA dosage unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
Proair HFA Dosing for Asthma
To treat or prevent an asthma attack, the recommended Proair HFA dose is two sprays of Proair HFA as needed, as frequently as every four to six hours. For some people, only one spray every four hours will be needed to control
asthma symptoms. If you need to use your Proair HFA asthma inhaler more often than prescribed, talk with your healthcare provider about taking an additional
asthma medication.
If Proair HFA is not adequately controlling an asthma attack, seek medical attention immediately, as this may be an emergency.
Proair HFA Dosing for Exercise-Induced Asthma
General Proair HFA Dosage Information
Following are some considerations for people taking Proair HFA:
- Proair HFA comes in a metered-dose inhaler (called an "MDI").
- Some people take Proair HFA only when they need it (during an asthma attack), while others take it regularly to help prevent attacks.
- You should "test spray" each Proair HFA inhaler before your first use of it, or if you have not used it for a long period of time. To test spray the inhaler, spray it into the air by pressing on the top of the canister.
- Shake your Proair HFA asthma inhaler gently before each use.
- Wait at least one minute in between inhalations.
- It is important to learn exactly how to use your Proair HFA inhaler. It may be difficult at first and may require some practice.
- The spray should be inhaled into the lungs, not sprayed onto the back of the throat and swallowed. To accomplish this, you will need to breathe in while spraying the inhaler.
- Most people put the mouthpiece of the inhaler directly into their mouths. However, many healthcare professionals now recommend placing the inhaler an inch or two away from the mouth. Talk with your healthcare provider about the best way for you to use the inhaler.
- Each inhaler contains 200 sprays. Try to keep track of approximately how many sprays you have used in order to know when to replace the inhaler. Do not place the inhaler in water to see if it is empty (even though doing so was recommended in the past).
- Be sure that you always have a Proair HFA asthma inhaler on hand (and that your Proair HFA prescription has refills), as failing to treat an asthma attack can quickly turn into a medical emergency.
- If you are unsure about anything related to your dosage or Proair HFA dosing in general, please talk with your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.
